talk to me about estimating effacement

[snugglebug14]

So I have checked my own cervix a few times, just to make sure the PTL isn't progressing much in terms of cervical change. Estimating position (anterior/posterior) and dilation is easy. But...I don't quite get how to judge effacement. I mean I know that it's how far thinned out the cervix is, but can you walk me through how to assess that? Thank

[wumanh]

Well, feel how long and thick it is now. Next time you feel you notice if there is a change. Is it shorter or thinner? Don't worry about a number. What you want to notice is if there is a change.
It is all a guesstimate since we are not really measuring a woman's cervix. If you feel it when normal and then notice it is %50 shiorter then you are %0% effaced. 100% of course is no thickness to the cervix.
When trying to figure out what is happening, put a lot of signs or information together. women walk around fully effaced or 3 cms dilated for weeks and they are not in premature labor.
Instead of always looking for what is wrong how about supporting your body to keep the baby in until it's ready? Eating really well, cutting down on stress, resting more, visualizing the uterus calm and opening smoothly when the time is right.

[snugglebug14]

when you say "how long it is" where are you measuring from? Like I know where it ends, that would be the opening I feel, but where does it start? I envision is starting inside so I dont quite get how to tell how long it is? Is part of the problem becuase I'm feeling on myself so the angle is a little weird?

[wumanh]

It's whatever you feel. You are not feeling the inside of it. It is kind of like a fat soft thumb with an opening. You feel all around it and then when you feel another time you can note if it is softer or shorter.
I don't think so much about measuring but of guaging and comparing changes to what I felt before.
Like dilation- you don't really need a number- you are seeing if it is more open than before.